Environmental Science Class Calendar - Marking Period 4 - '09-'10


Session#
Date
Question of the Day
Lesson/Activities
Handouts
Homework
1
4/6/10
List three words that come to mind when you hear Environmental Science.
Get to know you, Class Procedures and Expectations
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[[file/view/Question of the Day Sheet.doc|Question of the Day Sheet.doc]]
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[[file/view/Expectations.doc|Expectations.doc]]
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[[file/view/Student Info_CFF form.doc|Student Info_CFF form.doc]]
Return completed
Student Info/CFF
Laptop Agreement.

2
4/7/10
What's your favorite memory of being in nature?
Finished Mrs. Matthaei's Betting Game (get to know Mrs. Matthaei!) and Levels of Organization within an ecosystem.
Smallest --> largest: Organism, Population, Community, Ecosystem, Biome

We defined and gave examples for each.

Create an email account if you do not already have one. (I recommend gmail.com!)
3
4/8/10
Place these in order from smallest to largest: biome, organism, ecosystem, population, community.
Levels of Organization and Food Chains/Webs
We discussed Producers and Primary/Secondary/Tertiary Consumers. We then made food chains and food webs. *Arrows show the transfer of energy!*

View the notes that you missed today and tomorrow:
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[[file/view/Ecosystems and Their Interactions Powerpoint.ppt|Ecosystems and Their Interactions Powerpoint.ppt]]
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4
4/9/10
What's the difference between a food chain and a food web?
Food Web Matching Game!
For the Food Web Matching Game:
1. Glossary of Ecosystem/Food Web terms: http://www.bigelow.org/edhab/glossary.html
2. "Fitting Algae into the Food Web" Background information:
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[[file/view/fitting_algae.pdf|fitting_algae.pdf]]
3. Directions for the game:
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[[file/view/directions.pdf|directions.pdf]]
4. Trophic Tables (learn about the roles of the organisms in your food web):
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[[file/view/trophic_table.pdf|trophic_table.pdf]]
5. Game board:
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[[file/view/game_board.pdf|game_board.pdf]]
6. Clues to help you out:
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[[file/view/clues.pdf|clues.pdf]]
7. Questions to answer:
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[[file/view/missing_link.pdf|missing_link.pdf]]
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5
4/12/10
Draw the trophic level pyramid and EXPLAIN the transfer of energy between the trophic levels.
Introduction to the Mind Map Vocab project and food web practice.
1. Create an account on mindmeister.com.
2. Activate your account by checking email.
3. Check out the
Mind Map Vocab Project page for directions and vocab list.
4. Keep your Mind Map Vocab project updated! (The list on the wiki will be updated, so keep checking back!)

Food Web Practice:

1. http://www.gould.edu.au/foodwebs/kids_web.htm - work on identifying producers, consumers and decomposers
2. http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/food/food_menu.html - place organisms in the correct location in a food web (do all three webs!)
3. EXTENSION: Mystery "Who Dun It" - http://www.gould.edu.au/foodwebs/kids_web/mystery01.htm
Activate mindmeister account by clicking on link sent in your email.
6
4/13/10
What biome is PA mostly?
Biotic/Abiotic Factors
Write the definition and many examples for biotic and abiotic factors.
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[[file/view/Biotic_Abiotic Factors.doc|Biotic_Abiotic Factors.doc]]
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7
4/14/10
Describe the difference between biotic and abiotic factors.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity worksheet for session 7 & 8:
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1. "The Loss of Biodiversity" (Hippocampus audio/text)
2. "The Wild Classroom" - Biodiversity video

Study for TEST on TUESDAY over 3 learning targets: Food Webs, Biotic/Abiotic Factors and Biodiversity
8
4/15/10
Why is biodiversity so important? (Give as many reasons as you can!)
Biodiversity
Douglas Fir Tree Simulation!
-Use the worksheet from last class.
-Here is a discription of the simulation, in case you weren't here:
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[[file/view/Douglas Fir Tree Simulation Directions.doc|Douglas Fir Tree Simulation Directions.doc]]
Study for TEST on TUESDAY over 3 learning targets: Food Webs, Biotic/Abiotic Factors and Biodiversity
9
4/16/10
Describe what you learned from the Douglas Fir Tree simulation.

(If you were not here for it, download the directions sheet from session 8.)

Mind Map Vocab Project
See the Mind Map Vocab Project page.

Also, read this article published TODAY on Biodiversity in the Middle East and around the world!
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[[file/view/Middle East faces severe biodiversity threat.doc|Middle East faces severe biodiversity threat.doc]]
Continue to work on your mind map vocab project throughout the entire course.

Study for TEST on TUESDAY over 3 learning targets: Food Webs, Biotic/Abiotic Factors and Biodiversity

10
4/19/10
What do you still not understand about food webs, biotic/abiotic factors or biodiversity? OR Explain something you KNOW will be on the test.
Review for Test
Betting Review Game:
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[[file/view/Betting Review Game (Test 1 MP4).doc|Betting Review Game (Test 1 MP4).doc]]
Study for TEST on TUESDAY over 3 learning targets: Food Webs, Biotic/Abiotic Factors and Biodiversity
11
4/20/10
Describe what you will work on if you finish the test early.
Test over Food Webs, Biotic/Abiotic Factors and Biodiversity
Test on Food Webs, Biotic/Abiotic Factors and Biodiversity
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12
4/21/10
What do you know about or have done on Earth Day?
PLAN Testing (periods 1-3)

Exploring Earth Day (tomorrow!), 2010 green advancements and buildings, and the U.S.'s movement toward protecting more land.

- Learn about Earth Day (website): http://www.nelsonearthday.net/index.htm
- The Best of Green 2010 (slideshows):
http://www.treehugger.com/best-of-green/
- "These fresh buildings are at the cutting edge of style and convenience."
http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=23676188&GT1=35000
- President Obama signs the America's Great Outdoors Memorandum (youtube video):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh-AIG5Kwoo&feature=channel
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13
4/22/10
What do you think happens over the years to a completely abandoned field?
HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Ecological Succession

In the textbook, write down the Lesson Review questions 1-7 from page 178. Read pages 172-175 and answer those 7 questions as you read. Be sure to take notes over any new vocabulary or concepts as you read, as well.
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14
4/23/10
Describe the two types of ecological succession.
Ecological Succession
1. Watch the Life After People video clip about Chernobyl and Ecological Succession.
2. Complete:
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[[file/view/Ecological Succession 1.tiff|Ecological Succession 1.tiff]]
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[[file/view/Ecological Succession 2.tiff|Ecological Succession 2.tiff]]

3. READ:
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[[file/view/Mount Saint Helens.doc|Mount Saint Helens.doc]]
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15
4/27/10
Describe something that organisms need to live and grow.
Limiting Factors & Carrying Capacity
1. We handed back tests today and discussed the remediation opportunity (deadline Friday (4/30)). Remediation form to be filled out and turned in if wanting to remediate:
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[[file/view/Test 1 Remediation.doc|Test 1 Remediation.doc]]

2. View the notes taken in class about Limiting Factors and Carrying Capacity.
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Notes may be take on this graphic organizer:
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16
4/28/10
How can limiting factors impact an ecosystem? (Give examples to support your answer.)
Limiting Factors & Carrying Capacity (Cedar Glade Activity)
Cedar Glade Activity Packet:
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[[file/view/Cedar Glade Directions and Worksheet (NEW).doc|Cedar Glade Directions and Worksheet (NEW).doc]]
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17
4/29/10
How are the terms limiting factors and carrying capacity related?
Limiting Factors & Carrying Capacity (Cedar Glade Activity)
Continue Cedar Glade Activity
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18
4/30/10
Describe the limiting factors in the Cedar Glade ecosystem.
Limiting Factors & Carrying Capacity (Cedar Glade Activity)
Continue and Finish Cedar Glade Activity
Complete Cedar Glade Activity packet, graphs and Reflection questions
19
5/3/10
Currently, what do you think are the three limiting factors that have the largest impact on humans?
Population
Check out these two videos learn about what happened on Easter Island with limiting factors (specifically natural resources):
Easter Island Video

World Human Population Growth -
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[[file/view/Human Population Growth.doc|Human Population Growth.doc]]
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20
5/4/10
What do you think exponential growth means?
Population
1. Finish the World Human Population Growth worksheet from last class.
2. View the following powerpoints:
Population Graphs Powerpoint:
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Population Maps Powerpoint:
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21
5/5/10
Describe, in detail, how the human popuation has grown over time.
Population
Exploring Population Statistics websites - fill out worksheet as you visit the sites:
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[[file/view/Exploring Population Statistics.doc|Exploring Population Statistics.doc]]
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22
5/6/10
What is the difference between the world's human population growth and the population growth RATE?
Population
Use the (yellow) Exploring Population Statistics Worksheet from last class. Watch the Miniature Earth video (#4) and complete the assignment on the first page. www.miniature-earth.com

Create an account at www.edmodo.com (using your login and password from your mindmeister account). Use the class code that Mrs. Matthaei gives in class for your class period. Complete assignment (read article and respond) within edmodo. If you find that you need the class code again, please
email me.
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23
5/7/10
What countries do you think have the highest and lowest populations AND growth rates (grow the fastest and slowest)?
Population Growth and Growth Rate by Countries, What Stops Population Growth
1. NationMaster.com - Great website with statistics on any and all countries in the world. Wikipedia's Population Growth and Population Growth Rates by countries.

2. View assignment on
www.edmodo.com. You will watch the What Stops Population Growth? video (10 mins) from www.gapminder.org.

Other helpful population websites
- The Population Explosion
- World Population Balance - "Promoting a Sustainable Population"
- How are population estimations calculated? Here are a few resources that might answer some of your questions:
---http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/popwnote.html
---http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/idb/estandproj.php
---Debate Over How to Count the Population

none (unless edmodo article assignment is not finished)
24
5/10/10
Which continent do we see our highest population growth rates? Why should we be concerned about this?
What Stops Population Growth
1. Complete your responses from yesterday on www.edmodo.com about the What Stops Population Growth? video.

2. Explore
www.gapminder.org (click on GAPMINDER WORLD tab) to create graphs that display information about population.

3. Complete and turn in Population Mini-Assessment on back of Population Statistics Websites worksheet from last week.
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[[file/view/Exploring Population Statistics.doc|Exploring Population Statistics.doc]]
none (unless edmodo video response assignment is not finished)

Study for Limiting Factors & Population test

25
5/11/10
What are at least two things you have recently learned about other countries?
Population: Using gapminder for statistics and edmodo for collaborating.
1. (Assignment posted on www.edmodo.com.) Explore www.gapminder.org (GAPMINDER WORLD tab) and create a chart (graph & map) that displays new information about population.

2. Post your link (along with a 2-3 sentence summary of what the chart can show you about population). Explore other students' charts and continue the conversations and great responses, as you did yesterday!

none (unless edmodo gapminder graph assignment is not finished)

Study for Limiting Factors & Population test

26
5/12/10
What three factors are considered when counting a country's population size?
Countries' Population Growth Rate activity
Students begin Countries' Population Growth Rate activity. The worksheet is here:
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Countries Pop Growth Rate.doc
The directions for the activity can be found in this powerpoint:
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Countries’ Population Growth Rate Activity.ppt
Study for Limiting Factors & Population test
27
5/13/10
EXPLAIN what you think humans' #1 issue is with the population growing the way it is. Why?
Countries' Population Growth Rate activity
Continue Countries' Population Growth Rate activity

If done early, read about China's One Child Policy & the World Population Prediction:
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China's One Child Policy page 1
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China's One Child Policy page 2
Study for Limiting Factors & Population test
28
5/14/10
Why does it matter if some countries grow fast and others grow more slowly?
Limiting Factors and Population Review
Limiting Factors and Population Review

*Surprise Mind Map Vocab Checkpoint!

Study for Limiting Factors & Population test
29
5/17/10
What do you believe the future holds for our human population? (What will happen/what will we do?)
Limiting Factors and Population TEST
Limiting Factors and Population TEST

When finished with test, get out laptop and go to: NatGeo's Aftermath: Population Zero - read Overview, view videos if you'd like, then launch the Interactive to experience the aftermath OR work on Mind Map Vocab project.

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30
5/19/10
Of all of the issues on Earth, which do you think is the most pressing for humans? Why?
EOY
End of the Year Test

When finished with test, get out laptop and go to: NatGeo's Aftermath: Population Zero - read Overview, view videos if you'd like, then launch the Interactive to experience the aftermath OR work on Mind Map Vocab project.

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31
5/20/10
Where do you think the majority of Earth's water is located? What about Earth's freshwater?
Water Pollution
Earth's Water Distribution Demonstration (look at water pollution packet)
View this for Water Pollution slides and video:
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to help fill out the following Water Pollution packet:
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32
5/21/10
Explain Earth's water situation in detail.
Water Pollution
Download the attached document. Follow the link found in the document to take you to the National Geographic website on Water Pollution: Signs and Solutions. Follow the step-by-step directions in the document and answer the questions as you go.

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[[file/view/water_pollution_exploration.doc|water_pollution_exploration.doc]]

When finished, turn document in on
www.edmodo.com as a "File" to Mrs. Matthaei.
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33
5/24/10
Which continent has the most water issues and which continents are using the most solutions? Why/How?
Water Pollution
1. Read:
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[[file/view/Point & NonPoint Source Pollution Reading.doc|Point & NonPoint Source Pollution Reading.doc]]

2. Visit: www.protectingwater.com
3. Fill out using reading and website:
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[[file/view/Point & Non-Point Source Graphic Organizer.doc|Point & Non-Point Source Graphic Organizer.doc]]

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34
5/25/10
Explain the difference between point source and non-point source pollution.
Water Pollution
Finish yesterday's assignment:# Visit: www.protectingwater.com
1. Fill out using reading and website:
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[[file/view/Point & Non-Point Source Graphic Organizer.doc|Point & Non-Point Source Graphic Organizer.doc]]

Finish NatGeo's Water Pollution: Signs and Solutions assignment that you posted on www.edmodo.com (from Session 32).
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35
5/26/10
Describe in detail an example of point source and non-point source pollution that you have seen around Quakertown.
Watersheds & Wetlands
Textbook:
1. Read pages 10-11. Answer questions #1-5 on page 13.
2. Read pages 23-25. Answer questions #5 and 7-9 on page 26.
3. Read pages 27-29 (stop before Watershed Quality). Describe how these human activities negatively affect wetlands:

1. Agriculture
2. Urbanization
3. Construction
4. Mining
5. Industry
6. Waste Disposal

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36
5/27/10
What watershed do you live in?
Water Pollution
Finish textbook assignment
Finish NatGeo's Water Pollution: Signs and Solutions assignment that you posted on
www.edmodo.com (from Session 32).
Finish textbook assignment and/or NatGeo Water Pollution packet if not done.
37
5/28/10
What are some differences between watersheds and wetlands?
Water Pollution
EnvSci in the Real World!
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38
6/1/10
How can you personally decrease your contribution to water pollution?
Water Pollution
River of Shame Activity - Directions and rough draft of aerial plan
Rough draft of company/land-use type should be mostly finished
39
6/2/10
What examples of water pollution have you noticed the most around Quakertown?
Water Pollution
River of Shame Activity - Final draft of aerial plan
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40
6/3/10
What other problems can water pollution lead to?
Water Pollution
River of Shame Activity - Final draft of aerial plan
Decide how much your business/land use type would contribute each of these pollutants to the river:

  • Sediments
  • Animal & Human Waste
  • Acid Precipitation
  • Pesticides, Herbicides, Fungicides
  • Petroleum Products
  • Heated or Cooled Water
  • Fertilizers
  • Inorganic Chemicals and Compounds
Final draft if not finished
41
6/4/10
What has the River of Shame Activity made you think about?
Water Pollution
River of Shame Activity Assessment
Water Pollution Quiz

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42
6/7/10
What are natural resources and what's the difference between renewable and nonrenewable?
Natural Resources & Final Project
Natural Resources; Final Project - Explanation and Part 1: The List
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Part 1: The List
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Final Project - Part 1 Directions

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43
6/8/10
What three natural resources do you think you use the most in your everyday life?
Final Project
Final Project - Part 1: The List
Part 1: The List if not finished

Mind Map Vocab Project Due Next Tuesday!

44
6/9/10
What is one way that you reduce, reuse, or recycle at home?
Final Project
Final Project - Part 2: The Eco-Web

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[[file/view/Part 2 Directions.ppt|Part 2 Directions.ppt]]
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Part 2 Plan

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Mind Map Vocab Project Due Tuesday!

45
6/10/10
What was your favorite topic or activity in this class?
Final Project
Final Project - Part 2: The Eco-Web (work day - you MUST bring your project to work on!)
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Mind Map Vocab Project Due Tuesday!

46
6/11/10
What do you wish we would have covered in this class but didn't?
Final Project
Final Project - Part 2: The Eco-Web (work day - you MUST bring your project to work on!) THIS IS YOUR LAST DAY TO WORK IN CLASS ON YOUR FINAL PROJECT!!!
Part 2: Eco-Web if not finished

Mind Map Vocab Project Due Tuesday!

47
6/14/10
What did you like the most about this class?
Final Project
Part 3: The Gallery & Personal Action Plan
(Comment sheet -
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[[file/view/Part 3 Gallery_Community Comment Sheet.doc|Part 3 Gallery_Community Comment Sheet.doc]])

Entire Final Project Directions:
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[[file/view/Final Project – Directions.pptx|Final Project – Directions.pptx]]
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Mind Map Vocab Project Due Tuesday!

48
6/15/10
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Final Project
Part 3: The Gallery & Personal Action Plan
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Part 3: Personal Action Plan

MIND MAP VOCAB PROJECT DUE!!!

Personal Action Plan if not finished
49
6/16/10
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TBA
TBA
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50
HALF DAY
6/17/10

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TBA
TBA
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Check out this AMAZING video on humans' impact on Earth!!! THE HOME PROJECT